Why Aviation for Kids?

AVIATION FOR KIDS is a site dedicated to everybody interested in Aviation as well as Education, Science, Technology and Parenting (my son is in most of the pictures and videos).

My initially purpose was to give you some ideas about how can you motivate children to learn science through aviation technology.In time, I realized that what is most important is to find a platform on which you can relate with your kids,help them find their passion and encourage them to rich their full potential.In my case it was AVIATION that helped me accomplish this but you can use anything else that you might be passionate about.

I can`t emphasize enough the importance of PASSION.This is the engine that will carry you to reach the sky.

AVIATION-FOR-KIDS.COM is a life journey.I started building this site when my son was only 5 years old.He is no 17 and he is a great kid who did very well at school.Champion at FLL robotic competition, TKD Black Belt, Life Scout on his way to become an Eagle Scout, Presidential Award For Education Excellence in 8th grade,just to name a few.Your kids can do the same.Play with them and encourage them to explore the world and discover their abilities.AVIATION-FOR-KIDS is just a tool you can use to accomplish that.

You shouldn't think that your kids will
necessarily become pilots, or that they will work in other aviation
related fields. Aviation is such a vast enterprise that it can
connect so many diverse activities. It is a perfect platform to
expose your children to many different activities. They will choose
what they like most.

My son started by launching rockets, flying RC
planes, and even had the chance to actually experience flight through
an excellent EAA program. But now he is
interested in Film, Photography,Journalism and Social Media
Marketing. For more details you can follow his Instagram account HERE.

The content of AVIATION FOR KIDS can be used in different ways. Parents and teachers can get some ideas for easy and fun science projects based on aviation technology. You will find here short descriptions of different notions and theories as well as links to other resources for those interested to learn more about different topics. Also, I have included many suggestions about how can different fields of knowledge be integrated in one project.

In the LINKS page you will find many links to educational books, software and web sites. I have actually purchased and used all the products mentioned and you will find there my reviews. Your feedback is much appreciated and it will be included in this site.

AVIATION FOR KIDS initial purpose was to be a “virtual scrap book” about my son hobby. Gradually it turned to be much more than that.

While flying our planes and doing all kind of funny science experiments, I realized the educational value of these activities. It didn’t took very long until I’ve started to read more about interdisciplinary learning, project based learning, homeschooling and other topics that I wasn’t paying much attention before.

Pretty soon I realized that I could add even more value to this endeavor if I will make it interactive by involving my son in this project and share it with the world. You can read more about us in MY STORY page.

How is AVIATION FOR KIDS organized?

The content of AVIATION-FOR-KIDS is organized around the idea of interdisciplinary learning. If you are not familiar with this check the METHOD page.

All projects start with a basic aviation related theme, which connects many other fields of knowledge. For example, during the FROG ASTRONAUT project you can talk about gravity, propulsion, acceleration, proportions, circulatory system, altitude, flight safety and budgets. It’s up to you how complex you want to make each experiment.

As a rule of thumb, consider the age of your children and their level of interest in such projects. Don’t push too much the kids because they might fiercely oppose your good intentions (It happened to me!).

Use your imagination (here is where you can get a lot of help from your kids) and think of how different domains of knowledge can be interconnected. For example, I have used flight as a platform to introduce my son to different art styles (see the ART page) and to encourage his creativity. Also I pointed the many ways different people can see and represent the same thing (the flight, in this case). The PAINTING page is an example of how can you transform this activity in a highly educational tool.

Most kids are passionate about SPORTS. It’s time to build on this and let them know that there is a lot of science behind the spectacular performance of their favorite athletes. From the flight of a ball to the special profile of racing cars, bicycles, ski and nautical equipment, the aerodynamic theories can explain the well-guarded tricks of the champions.

One of the special sections of AVIATION-FOR-KIDS.COM web site is dedicated to FLIGHT SIMULATORS. Some of these flight simulators are free and some I have purchased. Among these, some have free trial periods so you can decide if you like them or not. I would recommend you to start with the free simulator included in Google Earth. Read more about how I have used this tool in the METHOD page.If you like the world of computer simulations go to SWARM INTELLIGENCE page to learn the secrets of a flock of birds.

What is swarm intelligence? Have you ever wondered at the perfectly synchronized flight of a flock of birds? It looks like a well-choreographed dance in which the birds veer to the right or left at unison. It almost looks like they have a leader that coordinates them and they play a “follow-the –leader” game.(Read more...)

Lift is the force that holds an aircraft in the air. How is it generated?

It has been an extremely active debate among those who love flying and are involved in the field regarding which is best for describing how aircraft get the needed lift to fly? Two theories (Bernoulli's equation or Newton's laws and conservation of momentum) are the subject of an intense debate between scientists.(Read more...)

"Love your site! I too have a little guy who is a sponge for science and flying. I found this site while looking for new things to do with my son - I am exhausting all of my ideas as he is now 8 and wanting more.. more... more! Thank you for putting this site up - it is giving me some ideas. :) How old is George now? What "fun" has he gotten into recently?"

(J.H.,USA)

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